Kopecky eyeing podium finish

The ŠKODA duo Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) are in fourth place after day one of the two-day Rally Poland and are eyeing up a podium finish. Conditions were extremely difficult on the tracks, which were sodden following heavy rain. Because of this, the team avoided all unnecessary risks to stay in the running for the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) title.

“Driving was incredibly difficult. The surface didn’t resemble gravel in the slightest. The routes are nothing but water and dirt – the track is full of ruts,” said Kopecký. Four of the seven Special Stages on day one – held on routes in the Masurian Lake District around Mikołajki – were shortened because of the rainfall. This didn’t stop more than 100,000 enthusiastic spectators from following the beginning of the 70th Rally Poland.

The track conditions were so bad they reminded co-pilot Dresler of the Dakar Rally. In spite of everything, the ŠKODA team kept their nerve and will go into day two just 5.1 seconds shy of third place. “We need to keep driving really intently and carefully and put the overall ERC standings first,” commented Kopecký. The experienced driver went into the Rally Poland with a 109-point lead. Another good result could help decide who will lift the trophy.

In their six events so far this season, Kopecký and Dresler have won five times and come second once with their Fabia Super 2000. The competitors face another six Stages covering 113.48 kilometres on day two in Poland.